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Greenfield, MA 01301
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	Newsletter Volume 1, Issue 4 (pdf) JUNE, 2010

Greenfield High School is now a scent free school. We ask that staff and students refrain from wearing any scented products. Thank you.

PRINCIPAL’S NOTE:

How quickly the school year can fly by and more important how wonderfully the entire community worked together to make this school year a special one for all our students. From the new technology to the addition of the highly popular electives, we have seen the students grow as individual learner. The Grade Eight Academy has set a firm foundation that will be present in all of our future graduating classes.

As the students leave for a well deserved summer vacation, we are gearing up to improve instruction and allow for students to accelerate in many academic areas. This summer we are again offering summer school for credit recovery. We will continue our collaboration with Greenfield Community College, offering on-line enrichment classes. New this summer is collaboration with the University of Massachusetts in which we will be sending students to the UMASS Anthropology lab for a one week-long class in Biological Anthropology. The Greenfield Education Foundation has made it possible for the high school to purchase more than $20,000 for equipment for the science department and the athletic department. Included in equipment is a solar car kit, virtual chemistry lab software, Power Meters for energy lab research, Vernier LabQuest probes, and warm-up suits for the fall and spring sports team. In preparation for the next school year we will be putting the final touches on the schedule and the eighth grade academy prepares for their second year by creating a dynamic, team oriented approach to educate the entire child. Please feel free to contact the school if you have any questions. Have a great summer and we will see you on September 2^nd –the first day of school.
donwoo1@gpsk12.org

FRIDAY LUNCH LECTURES:
New Lunch Lecture Series a Success
The new Zoom-In Friday Lunch Lecture Series has successfully completed its first year. Once the small auditorium was renovated, it provided a wonderful space to bring students and guest lecturers together over lunch to explore a variety of topics. Nine speakers made presentations between December 2009 and May 2010, averaging two a month. We are grateful to all the speakers for giving us their time and providing engaging presentations.

Topics ranged from the personal to the wider world and included musical instrument and baseball collections, short films, career choices and opportunities, forensic anthropology, volunteering in Haiti after the earthquake, and why the Guantanamo cases are important. Several presentations were recorded by Mr. Garland’s students and will be made available in the Library.

The last two featured Alison Childs and Buz Eisenberg. On May 21, Alison, a Franklin Medical Center nurse, shared a deeply moving slide show and stories from her recent experience helping in a pediatric hospital in Haiti, attending births and caring for mothers and children. On May 25^th, Buz Eisenberg, a local lawyer and teacher at GCC spoke about his work defending Guantanamo detainees – and why the Guantanamo cases are important. Earlier presentations by Bob Sunderland, Director of the YMCA and Sanford Jeames of the UMass Donohue institute, encouraged students to consider career opportunities in health, fitness, and a variety of medical careers. A March 19^th presentation by Gina Agostini on Forensic Anthropology has opened the way for Gina and another UMass grad student to offer an exciting new summer short course in anthropology for GHS students this summer.

About 50/60 students (10% of the student body) attended each lecture, averaging about 20/30 during each lunch period. The entire 8th grade attended a few presentations along with HS students in the large auditorium. While some students attended more than one lecture, a wide variety of students attended overall. Students who attended generally enjoyed the presentations.

The series will continue in the fall. We welcome your suggestions for speakers, topics, or how to make it better in general. Contact Mary Link at marlin1@gpsk12.org.

COLLABORATIVE EDUCATION:
The year is winding down in the CEG and boasting another three graduates crossing the stage on June 6. One student completed her GHS requirements over the past two years at Greenfield Community College. Quite an accomplishment as she began the program with clear expectations to drop out of high school! We are proud of all the graduates as they have overcome many obstacles, including themselves, and achieved success at GHS. All three are planning to continue their education at local community colleges. The remainder of students in the CEG has made much progress with improved attendance, grades, and behaviors. With academic and social expectations high, students have risen to the bar and made choices that have lead to positive outcomes. The combination of mainstream courses, life and study skills lessons, experiential learning, and community partnership activities continue to enhance the program in FY10. The reward system in place has yielded gift cards and group rewards throughout the year which helps students stay motivated to improve in their learning environment. Program students and staff look forward to FY11 to continue with their educational process, share ideas, learn new concepts, and enjoy their time at GHS. Two new students have already been reviewed and accepted into the program for next year.

We wish everyone a safe and healthy summer. Elaine Mount, Program Coordinator

GHS LIFE SKILLS PROGRAM:
Here are some kind and appreciative words from Patrick McManus, The Director of Poet Seat Health Care Center about our Life Skills Class Volunteers!!

“We’ve had the pleasure of working with our new volunteers from the Life Skills Program at Greenfield High School. This great group of kids helps out in the laundry room, in the gardens, with decorating duties and organizing projects. . They have been assisting in all departments and one-on-one with our residents. They have been doing a stellar job!”

Our class has done a tremendous job working on the skills they’ll need to make it in the workforce after they leave high school. Kudos to all who have stuck to it and given their efforts to help themselves while helping others. Mr. Broussard, Instructor

GHS volunteers Amanda and Corey with Mrs. Peterson assisting with laundry duties.

 

Volunteers from Greenfield High School— Joe, Melissa, Loretta — help tend our portable garden.

GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT:
The Guidance Department is proud of the accomplishments of the 2010 Senior Class. Over $90,000 dollars in scholarship money was awarded to our seniors on class night and many parents and students commented on how wonderful it is to live in a town that supports our students with the difficult task of paying for a college education. Many of our students will be packing up this summer and heading to colleges near and far including: Boston College, Green Mountain College, The Hartt School of Music, University of Nebraska, UMASS/Amherst, Alfred University, MCLA, Roger Williams, Quinnipiac, William Woods University, Bridgewater State University, Salem State College, Worcester State College, Castleton, Elms College, Western New England College, Greenfield Community College, and many others. In addition, some students are heading into the Army National Guard, taking a gap year and working, and one student is playing semi-professional hockey! Congratulations seniors. We will miss you!  

STUDENT COUNCIL:

This has been an incredible year. We have completed more projects this year than any of my previous years as an advisor. Good luck to the graduating seniors. You will be missed. As we look ahead to next year some projects are already underway. We are currently working on a book drive for Invisible Children and plan to have summer leadership training to prepare for the 2010-2011 school year. Congratulations to the newly elected Student Council E-Board: President Autumn Tidlund, V.P. Sarah Cook, Secretary Julie Roy, Treasurer Johanna Murphy, Parliamentarian Kyle Kendall, Historian Emily Ethier and Webmaster Dustin Cutler.

The classes just elected their new officers:

Class of 2011
President - Sarah Cook
VP Autumn Tidlund
Secretary- Meaghan Andrews
Treasurer- Olivia Hickey
Class Representative- Garrett McHugh

Class of 2012
President- Mitch Greene
VP Liz Leonard
Secretary- Zach Howes
Class Representative - Evan Abelson

Class of 2013
President- Luke Toritto
VP - Tameka Hebert
Treasurer- Mike Duclos

Class of 2014
President- James Hill
VP- Makenzie Plasse
Treasurer- Eleni Diakolambrianos

The positions that were not filled at this time will be filled at our first student council meeting in the fall. We meet every other Monday night at the high school from 6 to 7 p.m.
Angela Mass, Advisor

BOOK DRIVE
The student council is conducting a book drive to send books to Uganda. They have teamed up with Invisible Children to host a book drive with the hopes of sending 1000 books to Uganda. To date they have sent 500 books. They are specifically looking for recent college or high school text books, children's books or novels. They must have an ISBN number on them to be prescreened. If you would like to donate some boxes please bring them to the high school main office. For further information on this project please contact the student council advisor: Angela Mass at angmas1@gpsk12.org

ATHLETIC DEPT.  NOTE:
Thank you to all the student athletes and coaches for a great year. Be sure that you sign up for next year and get your athletic/health forms in soon.

GO GREEN WAVE

A future member of the Freshman Football Team of 2020, who will graduate in 2024.

ART DEPARTMENT:

On Friday, May 28th, and Saturday, May 29th, Sarah Duprey, grade 11, attended Art All State through the Worcester Art Museum. This is a program that screens juniors who have been nominated all over Massachusetts by their art teachers. The application process is a long one, and only 140 students are finally selected. These talented students spent two days working with each other and professional artists to create an installation in the Worcester Art Museum. They also spent one night in a dorm at Clark University.

Sarah worked with a group of twenty students to interpret the title, "Limits, No Limits", using only wood, washers, and twine. (See picture) Other groups had to interpret the same theme using different materials. Sarah says, "Overall it was a tremendous experience that has made me excited for college, and I would like to thank the GHS Alumni Association for funding this for me!"

MUSIC DEPARTMENT

WOW, what a year we have had!!! On Friday April 9th, the GHS Music Department hosted Instrumental MICCA at GHS. We had bands and orchestras from throughout Massachusetts compete in what is widely considered the most serious and prestigious music competition in the entire Northeast. Our Concert Band received a bronze medal in the competition. On Saturday, April 10th, our Select Choir traveled to Algonquin High School in Northboro, MA to compete in the vocal MICCA competition. They received a silver medal for their efforts. We are very proud of both groups!

The GHS Concert Band and Concert Chorus boarded buses to Walt Disney World on Friday, April 16th at 4pm. After a 24-hour long bus ride, we performed at Downtown Disney, went to five parks, learned a lot about each other, and had a great time. We arrived home safe and sound on Friday, April 23rd. The GHS Annual Spring Scholarship Concert was held on Wednesday, May 5th with great success. The concert featured the Middle School Intermediate and Concert Band, the high school Concert Band, Concert Chorus, Select Choir, 8th Grade Choir, Jazz Band, and solo and group acts. All proceeds from the event will go to scholarships for graduating seniors from the Music Department.

The GHS Awards Picnic will be held at the home of Jerry and Martha Ethier on Thursday, May 20th. Try-outs for next year's Drum Major are scheduled for Tuesday, May 25th. The new Drum Major will be revealed at the end of the ceremony on Memorial Day.

The GHS Marching Band will lead the Memorial Day on Monday, May 31st. The GHS Concert Band, minus the seniors, will perform at the GHS Graduation Festivities including Senior Last Assembly, Class Night, and Graduation on Sunday, June 6th. This year's music students, led by an outstanding senior class, have really pulled together as an outstanding Music Department. With the help of our fabulous Music Parents and incredible music students, this has been a GREAT YEAR!!!
Thanks. As always, Paul
Paul J. Calcari, Director of Music
Greenfield Public Schools
(413) 772-1350 Ext. 113
paucal1@gpsk12.org

A LOSS
Word has been received of the passing of CLIF SYMONDS on June 19^th in Naples, FL. Clif was the Band director at GHS from 1965 to his retirement in the early 80’s. His Jazz Bands won many competitions and sent students on to careers in music.

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY:
This spring we selected new officers from the 2011 junior class. They are Sarah Cook as secretary, Garrett McHugh as Treasurer, Michelle Jackson as Vice President, and Samantha Zdanowicz as President. In addition we have helped out in the running of Class Night and Graduation.

On Class Night June 3, 2010 Autumn Tidlund and Johanna Murphy were placed at the reserved seating. Dean Schindler and Nina Pirozhkov ushered people to seats when needed, and Sarah Cook, Erika Grover and Caitlyn Larvey handed out programs. In addition Autumn Tidlund assisted in handing out tickets to the buffet prior to the event. On Graduation day June 6, 2010 Garrett McHugh and Dean Schindler were placed at the reserved seating, Erika Grover, Caitlyn Larvey, Michelle Jackson, Autumn Tidlund, and Samantha Zdanowicz handed out programs. Josh Yerka ushered people to seats when needed, and Sarah Cook and Samantha Zdanowicz handed the seniors a small gift from the school as they exited the stage.

We would like to thank the Greenfield Council on Aging for the successful computer workshops held in the spring. We are planning to continue the computer workshops in the fall as well as working with 8th grade students at the beginning of the school year. We are looking forward to any new programs created next year.
Gail Steinbring, Advisor

FRENCH CLUB:

The intrepid Club François once again set out on June 4th in search of adventure, this time in Providence, RI! Twenty-seven students and 3 chaperones (Madame, Mademoiselle Winn, and Madame's mom) ate delicious crêpes at La Crèperie, walked through the Brown University Campus to the Rhode Island School of Design Art Museum, toured the French and non-French art at the museum with very knowledgeable guides, and climbed through the streets of Providence to find the well-hidden Alliance Française. The Alliance is a center dedicated to the appreciation of French language and culture, and the staff welcomed us warmly, quickly setting up the room as a small mini-theatre in order to show 3 short French films from the "Lutins du Court-Mettrage" film festival, ongoing in May and June. Afterward we dropped into a café, "Chez Geoff," for a quick snack/drink before the long ride home. Students enjoyed the large bucket of free pickles at the café!
Tamara Grogan, Instructor

8^TH GRADE ENGLISH:
What a range of topics eighth-graders have written about in the fourth marking period: from field hockey, soccer, and football to life lessons about the importance of having a shoulder to cry on, from sites on the Freedom Trail to loved ones lost and found. Student writers have progressed as writers and thinkers as they have sharpened their focus, clarified and elaborated their thinking, and progressed in their mastery the conventions of written English. We've all learned a lot about ourselves and each other as we've written together.
Amy-Louise Pfeffer, Instructor

8^TH GRADE MATH:
Students have been designing games using their knowledge of probability. All of the games involve the element of chance and choice, which makes for some interesting possibilities. We have board games, dice games, spinner games, card games as well as new types of lottery games being developed. Remember the game, "Let's Make a Deal" with Monty Hall? Choose 1 door from 3 possible doors to win a car. Once a door is chosen Monte shows you what's behind a losing door and asks you to keep your original choice or switch to the other unopened door. What would you do? For the best advice, ask an 8th grader!

In Crazy Science we simulated an oil spill in an ocean environment. We're attempting to find the top 3 ways to clean it up. (skimmers, filters, absorbents, coagulants ,treated sponges, hay, straw, and activated carbon are just a few possible solutions) It's a messy job but we hoping to have some advice for BP soon! Wade Lavigne, Instructor

8^TH GRADE SCIENCE:
The fourth quarter has been an exciting one in science. We made bridges out of toothpicks and glue and held a competition to see which team built the strongest bridge. I think we have some future engineers in this class, one bridge held 45lbs! We are currently learning about solar power and the students are building solar cars. The ingenuity of these students is amazing! We look forward to the big race day coming up. I would like to congratulate and thank all of the 8th grade students and staff for making this an amazing year. We had many successes and laughs along the way. We have set the bar high and we have a lot to be proud of. Happy Summer!
Angela Ruggeri, Instructor

8^TH GRADE SOCIAL STUDIES:
It has been an awesome year here at the High School building, and the Academy is a success!
We had a great trip to Boston, to walk the Freedom Trail, and see history up close and personal. It has been a great 2 years for Mr. Cassidy to be with the Class of 2014, who now, mercifully, will be free of his bad jokes everyday. Good luck in High School, and come back and visit!
John Cassidy, Instructor

GREENFIELD HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Over the past 9 years that the GHS Alumni Association has been in existence, we have given over $60,000 to the high school from monies raised through donations and memberships. This money was used to buy English and Science Dept. Textbooks, Library Books and Furniture, Sustainable Energy Tools and curriculum materials, Art and Music Supplies and Equipment, Scientific Calculators, six Laptop Computers, various printer cartridges, Weightlifting Room Equipment, Misc. Athletic Equipment and Supplies, Whiteboards and supplies to replace chalkboards and chalk, and contributed to the purchase and building of the Softball Scoreboard at Vet’s Field. We also pay for the supplies for the Wall of Honor.

The GHSAA holds monthly meetings on the third THURSDAY of each month in the Faculty Lounge at GHS. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. and usually ends by 8:30 p.m. All GHS graduates are welcome to attend. Officers for 2009-10 are Cinthia Bompastore, President, Susan Oxley, Vice-President, Joseph Lemay, Treasurer, Betty Nee, Membership Coordinator, John Spencer, Website Manager, Steven Lepore, Chairman-Board of Directors, Deb. Descavich,

and Andie Drew, members of the Board of Directors. They are trying to keep the association alive. We are in need of additional members to attend the meetings to help us make decisions on what projects to pursue. If you would like to join the GHSAA, membership dues are $20 annually from November to November. Five-Year Membership is $80, Ten-Year Membership is $150 and Lifetime Membership is $200. The memberships are discounted 50% for senior citizens (60+) and graduates attending schools of high learning. Call Betty at 413-772-1350 Ext. 111 for a membership form. Donations are always welcome and can also be counted toward your membership.

A WEDDING OF A FACULTY MEMBER
Mr. Andrew Bowersox (H.S. Physics teacher) and Ms. Kate Wallen were married on May 22, 2010. We wish them all the best.

GRADUATES WALL OF HONOR

The next time you are in the high school check out the 43 pictures of graduates that are hanging in the corridor between the Main Office and the Library. They are:

• John Bednarski 1945, Architect/Designer of present GHS
• Robert Bitzer 1945, Post Office worker for 44 yrs.
• George Jonelunas 1945, GHS Math Teacher-Retired
• Richard E. Faust 1945, Pharmaceutical Chemistry positions with many pharmaceutical firms
• John P. Nee, Sr. 1949, Elem. School Custodian-Deceased
• Betty Manners 1951, Community Service, EMT and Nurse’s Office at FCTS-Retired.
• Betty (Spencer) Nee 1952, HS Principal‘s Secretary-Retired, Full-time Volunteer at GHS
• Paul McDonald 1958, Chief Probation Officer-Retired
• Rose-Marie (Alex) Bassett 1959, HS Paraprofessional-Retired
• William F. Bassett, Jr. 1959, HS Art Teacher, HS-Retired, Assistant & Principal at GHS
• Edward “Skip” Hammond 1959, Founder of GBI Marketing-Retired
• Neal Owen Graves 1960, Accounting Firms, Retired
• Len Remaly 1960, Retired Chemical Company worker and World Hiker & Traveler
• Monsignor John Sweeley 1961, Theologian and Writer
• Dr. Phil Grisé 1965, Professor – Florida State Univ. at Tallahassee, FL. - Retired
• William Phelps 1965, Former Vet.’s Job Counselor-Retired
• Christopher Ethier 1966, Owner/Operator-Bicycle World
• Cheryl (Harvey) Misch 1966, GHS History Teacher-Retired
• arold L. Shattuck, Jr. 1966, US Marine/Deceased

• Dean Tatro 1969, Business Owner/New Zealand
• Andie (McGahan) Drew 1970, GHS Para-Professional
• Michael Maleno 1971, ROV Technologies
• Christian Jacobs 1972, GHS History Teacher
• Jane (Kowalski) Smith 1973, HS Nurse
• Barbara Ferrante 1975, Investigator/Fed.Inv.Service/Boston
• Donna Woodcock 1976, GHS Principal
• Lisa (Rucci) Dusell 1977, Former Para-Professional at GHS
• Kathleen Merrigan 1978, Dir. Of Agriculture, Food & Evir. Program at Tufts University
• Lisa (Facey) Moore 1981, GHS Phys.Ed./Health Teacher
• Timothy Kenny 1981, Portfolio Mgr.-Babson Capital Management
• Nancy Walsh 1983, Stage & Film Performer, Co-founder of “PresentCo.” A Theater Co. in NYC
• Michael Kuchieski 1984, GHS Athletic Director
• Bobby Campbell 1985, Owns a DJ Business and is a Radio Announcer
• Michael S. Johnson 1985, Asst. VP Greenfield Coop., Bank in Financial Services
• Bill Bomtempi 1986, Dentist
• Tara (Phelps) Cloutier 1988, GHS Spanish Teacher
• Timothy Farrell 1989, F.W.Farrell Insurance Agency, City Council Member
• Patrick Garland 1989, GHS English Teacher
• Kenneth Fortin 1990, GHS Building Monitor
• Jed McColgan 1991, Sergeant, U.S. Army
• Maura McDonald 1993, Assistant Probation Officer
• Angela (DeSanty) Mass 1995, GHS Math Teacher
• Nils Taylor 1998, Filmmaker-Calif.

Mr. Barry McColgan, Senior English teacher and Mr. Pat Garland, English and Computer teacher have contributed much time to this program since the beginning. Betty also works on making contact with former graduates and encouraging them to participate with this project. New members have been put up on the “Wall” during this school year. If you know a graduate who has been out of high school ten or more years and who would like to be part of this program, pick up an application form from Betty at the high school office or call her at 413-772-1350 Ext. 111 and she will be glad to mail you the materials.

SUPPLIES FOR EDUCATION:
Please support Stop & Shop's

 And

Big Y’s

 

Programs of giving supplies and technology to the high school.

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Bronze Medal Award Winner America's Best High Schools (2009) U.S.News & World Report	Program of Studies 2010-2011 (pdf)	Greenfield High School Apparel Green Wave Shop Purchase GHS branded apparel and gear online. (Click here)
GHS Athletic Forms GHS Sports Schedule

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